Funding to aid Galway GAA

News: The GAA in Galway is set for a windfall from the Government to help ease the €4 million debt hanging over the refurbished Pearse Stadium in Salthill.

The 34,000 capacity ground was re-opened in the summer of 2002 after a €12 million redevelopment project, but an absence of big games has seen the venue remain heavily in debt. In 2004, more than half of the income generated by the venue came from a Bob Dylan concert as it made an operating loss of over €54,000.

Cost-cutting measures introduced a year ago, along with the staging of a lot more big games, saw the venue return a profit of €126,242 in 2005.

However, a debt of €4 million hangs over the venue, with €142,257 being paid over the past year in bank interest and charges.

But Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Eamon Ó Cuív told delegates at the Galway County Board convention on Monday night that they could expect "a major announcement" in the next week or two.

Ó Cuív said he was not in a position to say how much was about to be granted to Pearse Stadium, but it would be substantial.

He said he saluted the people who had the vision to redevelop Pearse Stadium, but it was now important to reduce the debt.

"We need to put sports facilities in place and keep improving them so that there is an outlet to attract the youth of the country," he told the convention in Oranmore.

The chairman of the Galway County Board, Frank Burke, said that the grant would be a significant development in helping to clear the debt on the stadium.

"A year ago I said the county board was determined to address issues relating to Pearse Stadium, principally the level of indebtedness and also the high cost of managing and maintaining the venue.

"On both fronts we have worked very hard and made significant progress, and the full impact of our efforts will be very clear in the 2006 accounts.

"The assistance of the Government will be a huge help towards paying for a facility which is a credit to Galway," said Burke.

Meanwhile, Galway football fans have been urged by Burke to be patient and allow manager Peter Ford time to develop the side.

Burke said that it may take some time to allow underage talent to come through.

He said that winning the All-Ireland under-21 title, along with retaining the Connacht minor crown, augured well, but it may take time for them to make an impact at senior level.

"We must be patient and supportive of the team management in their efforts to rebuild and reshape," added Burke.

He said the success of Salthill Knocknacarra, Caherlistrane and Loughrea in winning the Connacht titles at senior, intermediate and junior levels, emphasised the dominance of Galway in the province.